Implications of elastic wave velocities for Apollo 17 rock powdersUltrasonic P- and S-wave velocities of lunar rock powders 172701, 172161, 170051, and 175081 were measured at room temperature and to 2.5 kb confining pressure. The results compare well with those of terrestrial volcanic ash and powdered basalt. P-wave velocity values up to pressures corresponding to a lunar depth of 1.4 km preclude cold compaction alone as an explanation for the observed seismic velocity structure at the Apollo 17 site. Application of small amounts of heat with simultaneous application of pressure causes rock powders to achieve equivalence of seismic velocities for competent rocks.
Document ID
19750055658
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Talwani, P. (South Carolina, University Columbia, S.C., United States)
Nur, A.
Kovach, R. L. (Stanford University Stanford, Calif., United States)